Villas in Famagusta, Cyprus

Holiday homes in Famagusta (Ammochostos)

On the southeast coast, Agia Napa and Protaras, once sleepy fishing villages, are now full of life. Here you can enjoy the finest beach holidays in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Or how about a cruise along the coast? A true diving and snorkelling paradise is located on Cape Gkreko, a peninsula with countless underwater caves and impressive cliffs. Families with children love the Marine Life Museum or the new Thalassa Museum in Ayia Napa, which is a true replica of the fourth century merchant ship. A must is of course also a visit to Waterworld Waterpark, located just outside Ayia Napa. There are countless attractions to match Greek mythology.

Charming harbour town Famagusta

Famagusta itself is the second largest city in Cyprus and also has the most important port on the island. Very well-preserved is the well preserved old town with the historic fortress and the former coronation cathedral of the Lusignan kings, which now serves as a mosque. The flair of the city and numerous shops, spas and cafes invite you to linger. The city boasts numerous cafés, restaurants, bars, clubs and casinos catering for all tastes. While delicious Cypriot cuisine is a must, a sumptuous Mediterranean meal is rounded with a good cup of Turkish coffee.

Impressively historical sites

Particularly important for the region are the large-scale archaeological sites north of Famagusta. In Salamis one can feel the way of life of the then Roman society of this ancient city and feel itself moved back into time. One of the most important monasteries of Cyprus at that time, the Barnabasloster, can be seen today as an icon exhibition and archaeological museum. Just like the royal tombs and the Bronze Age Enkomi site, the Kantara mountain fortress is of particular importance and allows you to enjoy a fantastic view of the coast as well as the sea.

Enjoy Cypriot cuisine

Northern Cypriot cuisine is mainly influenced by Turkish food, with a plethora of delicious and highly flavoursome dishes on offer. Your traditional meze itself is full of exciting little dishes including silky hummous, fried halloumi cheese, bourek stuffed pastries and locally grown olives. For the meat eaters among us there are plenty of tempting choices, such as charcoal roasted chicken kebabs stugged into pitta pockets with fresh salad. Or try 'kleftiko' - lamb slowly cooked in a clay oven until succulent and falling off the bone. Fresh fish dishes are also a real treat, whilst familiar dishes like moussaka usually make an appearance in Cypriot cuisine.

Explore quirky sights

One of the Check-Points that you can cross is located at Famagusta, where you can visit the city of Varosha, also known as the ghost town. Before the Turkish invasion in 1974, Varosha was a major tourist destination with hotels, homes and shops and restaurants along the beach. It was one of the very major tourist destinations of its time, especially rich and famous people went on vacation due to the beautiful sandy beaches and the crystal clear sea like Famagusta. But during the inauguration, all the inhabitants of the city fled in panic and since then Varosha has been completely barred with, inter alia, Barbed wire fence, oil barrels, tarpaulins and here is forbidden to live, go and take pictures. The hotels collapsed due to lack of maintenance and weeds and other plants have now taken over streets and alleys.